Date: Friday, January 8th 2010
Location: Growler's in South County
Featured Cigar: Devil's Weed Corona Grande 'Nicot'; 5.6x46
"Devil’s Weed is a supremely boutique cigar made in small-batch fashion in the Dominican Republic. To craft these cigars, a dark Connecticut wrapper grown in Ecuador is hand-selected, then draped around an aged mixture containing four types of Dominican long-fillers. Expect a refined, but eventful mild to medium-bodied bouquet with a clean, crisp finish that lingers just long enough on the palate. Notes of sweet tobacco and toast hit the taste buds, supported by a mellow, creamy core. Built for everyday enjoyment, Devil’s Weed is a nice addition to the daily rotation."
January will also mark the first year anniversary of our blog. Time sure does fly when you're smoking good cigars.
Happy New Year!
Adam
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
REVIEW CAO BRAZILIA GOL
CAO BRAZILIA GOL
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5" x 56
Wrapper: Brazil
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full
My cigar choice for December was the CAO Brazilia Gol. The Gol has an oily dark maduro wrapper with some medium veins. Solid construction with no soft spots. No problems with the burn or ash but as I got to the end of mine, the wrapper did seem to come off a little. Rich had the same problem. While a nuisance, it wasn't too bad for me as it happened only on the last 1/4 of the cigar.
With the price point what it is on CBID, this is a pretty good deal. 8.5/10
Matt
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5" x 56
Wrapper: Brazil
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full
My cigar choice for December was the CAO Brazilia Gol. The Gol has an oily dark maduro wrapper with some medium veins. Solid construction with no soft spots. No problems with the burn or ash but as I got to the end of mine, the wrapper did seem to come off a little. Rich had the same problem. While a nuisance, it wasn't too bad for me as it happened only on the last 1/4 of the cigar.
With the price point what it is on CBID, this is a pretty good deal. 8.5/10
Matt
REVIEW DON PEPIN GARCIA M.F. LE BIJOU 1922
DON PEPIN GARCIA M.F. LE BIJOU 1922
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: PETITE ROBUSTO 4.5" X 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Medium to Full
My Father Le Bijou 1922 is the new extension to My Father that I reviewed earlier. Insead of a as a tribute to Don Pepin and blended by his son Jaime, Le Bijou is a tribute to Don Pepin’s father. Le Bijou is French for "the Jewel" and what a jewel this is.
While this looks like it may be a short smoke, it is not. I used a full one hour and 20 minutes to burn my fingers. Solid like a rock with no veins, no flaws and a triple cap. This was a tight but not uncomfortable draw. I had the ash about 2 inches before it fell off in my lap. This is a firecracker of a smoke, rich and flavorfull with lots of spice and flavor. Tons of leather and tobacco and earth.
Hold on to your hats, another 10/10.
Matt
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: PETITE ROBUSTO 4.5" X 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Medium to Full
My Father Le Bijou 1922 is the new extension to My Father that I reviewed earlier. Insead of a as a tribute to Don Pepin and blended by his son Jaime, Le Bijou is a tribute to Don Pepin’s father. Le Bijou is French for "the Jewel" and what a jewel this is.
While this looks like it may be a short smoke, it is not. I used a full one hour and 20 minutes to burn my fingers. Solid like a rock with no veins, no flaws and a triple cap. This was a tight but not uncomfortable draw. I had the ash about 2 inches before it fell off in my lap. This is a firecracker of a smoke, rich and flavorfull with lots of spice and flavor. Tons of leather and tobacco and earth.
Hold on to your hats, another 10/10.
Matt
REVIEW ILLUSIONE 888
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6 3/4 x 48
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full
I am still tasting this wonderful stick from this morning. I have been wanting to try one of these for a while and finally got the nerve. At 8.00 it is not cheap, but not too bad.
Firm construction with an oily sheen to it. Just the right amount of pepper on the palate and just a dream to smoke. I smoked this for about an hour and a half today and wished it lasted longer. Lots of coca and nutty flavors.
I almost hate to do this but another 10/10.
Size: 6 3/4 x 48
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full
I am still tasting this wonderful stick from this morning. I have been wanting to try one of these for a while and finally got the nerve. At 8.00 it is not cheap, but not too bad.
Firm construction with an oily sheen to it. Just the right amount of pepper on the palate and just a dream to smoke. I smoked this for about an hour and a half today and wished it lasted longer. Lots of coca and nutty flavors.
I almost hate to do this but another 10/10.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday questions
Since we are meeting tonight I thought I would stray from the usual cigar related questions.
What is your favorite fight scene in either a movie or a tv show?
Mine is this clip from Deadwood (HBO) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blki-DISUis
This is the most brutal, physical and natural fight I have seen. You can feel the life or death emotions in every gesture. If you were a follower of the show, even more so. Check out the clip and let us know your favorite.
Matt
What is your favorite fight scene in either a movie or a tv show?
Mine is this clip from Deadwood (HBO) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blki-DISUis
This is the most brutal, physical and natural fight I have seen. You can feel the life or death emotions in every gesture. If you were a follower of the show, even more so. Check out the clip and let us know your favorite.
Matt
REVIEW: ROCKY PATEL 1961 ROBUSTO 5X50
The RP 1961 is a stunning looking cigar. It has a beautiful double band with a black and red background. Dark and oily it looks like a dream. Perfectly constructed with minimal visible veins and a firm body.
Prelight draw has lots of spice and feels like it will be very full bodied. Lighting was a breeze and it held the fire with no problems and no touch ups. Even draw, not too tight, not too loose. It started out strong but mellowed out to be more medium bodied.
This is my new favorite Rocky blend. Seriously. I loved it down to my fingertips. 10/10
Matt
Prelight draw has lots of spice and feels like it will be very full bodied. Lighting was a breeze and it held the fire with no problems and no touch ups. Even draw, not too tight, not too loose. It started out strong but mellowed out to be more medium bodied.
This is my new favorite Rocky blend. Seriously. I loved it down to my fingertips. 10/10
Matt
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Review: Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Churchill 7x54
Rich was nice enough to bring us some Churchills for our November meeting but I am just now remembering to post my review. I received the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Churchill 7x54 and was it a joy to smoke.
Full bodied
Nicaraguan Habano wrapper
7 x 54
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10
Flavors - Very rich and spicy. Lots of earth and tobacco (duh) with a hint of sweetness. Very different than most Romeo Y Julieta's. 9.5
Total 9.75 I am going to search these out more often.
Matt
Full bodied
Nicaraguan Habano wrapper
7 x 54
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10
Flavors - Very rich and spicy. Lots of earth and tobacco (duh) with a hint of sweetness. Very different than most Romeo Y Julieta's. 9.5
Total 9.75 I am going to search these out more often.
Matt
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
La Aroma de Cuba Belicoso Review
Another JR Cigar stop today and enjoyed a La Aroma de Cuba belicoso.
La Aroma has been re-blended by Pepin Garcia and is being pushed by Ashton. JRs had all of the sizes and the price point was great between $5-$7 a stick. I chose the belicoso this morning.
Medium bodied
Chocolate Connecticut wrapper
5.5 x 52
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10
The flavors were a salty-sweet pre-light with a very oily flawless wrapper. Good looking cigar with a nice band and a red ribbon at the foot. Hints of sweet chocolate and spice throughout. The draw, burn, tastes and medium were awesome for my morning smoke. I highly recommend this cigar for what it is--medium bodied and with no discounts for that-9/10 Enjoy
-Joe
La Aroma has been re-blended by Pepin Garcia and is being pushed by Ashton. JRs had all of the sizes and the price point was great between $5-$7 a stick. I chose the belicoso this morning.
Medium bodied
Chocolate Connecticut wrapper
5.5 x 52
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10
The flavors were a salty-sweet pre-light with a very oily flawless wrapper. Good looking cigar with a nice band and a red ribbon at the foot. Hints of sweet chocolate and spice throughout. The draw, burn, tastes and medium were awesome for my morning smoke. I highly recommend this cigar for what it is--medium bodied and with no discounts for that-9/10 Enjoy
-Joe
Monday, December 7, 2009
Artueo Fuente Short Story Review
Went to JRs today and enjoyed a Short Story. It was a nice little smoke that lasted longer than I thought.
4 x 48
Perfecto
Medium bodied
Draw=fantastic
Burn=A little uneven with one correction needed.
$5.xx
This little cigar lasted 45 minutes. Pre-light had a sweet cedar taste, and the cigar after lighting was woody and sweet with a little spice. I'd recommend this cigar and I am intrigued enough to try this cigar in a bigger size. It looked like the Work of Art was the next size up.
8/10
-Joe
4 x 48
Perfecto
Medium bodied
Draw=fantastic
Burn=A little uneven with one correction needed.
$5.xx
This little cigar lasted 45 minutes. Pre-light had a sweet cedar taste, and the cigar after lighting was woody and sweet with a little spice. I'd recommend this cigar and I am intrigued enough to try this cigar in a bigger size. It looked like the Work of Art was the next size up.
8/10
-Joe
Friday, December 4, 2009
Happy Friday
Hey guys, I have two questions for you today.
1. What are you enjoying today? (I had the lovely Man O War on the way in and on the way home I will be having a Joya De Nicaragua Antano - man I love the full bodies!)
2. Is there a cigar that you can think of that your significant other enjoys the aroma of or at the very least TOLERATES it enough to be around and not make snide comments?
I for one can remember two occasions when my wife told me that she "liked" the aroma.
a. Acid Blonde (go figure)
b. Punch Grand Puro
Matt
1. What are you enjoying today? (I had the lovely Man O War on the way in and on the way home I will be having a Joya De Nicaragua Antano - man I love the full bodies!)
2. Is there a cigar that you can think of that your significant other enjoys the aroma of or at the very least TOLERATES it enough to be around and not make snide comments?
I for one can remember two occasions when my wife told me that she "liked" the aroma.
a. Acid Blonde (go figure)
b. Punch Grand Puro
Matt
Thursday, December 3, 2009
5 Vegas Miami M-5 Review
Enjoyed a M-5 this cold evening. Put the lights on the roof and then stood back, enjoyed this cigar and a Lemp lager beer. 'Tis the season.
Size: 5 x 5.5
Corojo wrapper
Wrapper construction was perfect.
Draw was perfect.
I did have to correct the burn the whole way.
Smooth smoke. Fantastic flavors. Medium-Full bodied. If you have not tried one of these, please do. You will not be disappointed. The 5 x 5.5 is one of my favorites and this cigar was highly enjoyable. I have one more of these that I may not let sit in my humidor very long. Cigarbid=$3 per stick-Get one now!
8.25/10
-Joe
Size: 5 x 5.5
Corojo wrapper
Wrapper construction was perfect.
Draw was perfect.
I did have to correct the burn the whole way.
Smooth smoke. Fantastic flavors. Medium-Full bodied. If you have not tried one of these, please do. You will not be disappointed. The 5 x 5.5 is one of my favorites and this cigar was highly enjoyable. I have one more of these that I may not let sit in my humidor very long. Cigarbid=$3 per stick-Get one now!
8.25/10
-Joe
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
OCCS 1 Year Ago This Month
DATE: December 19, 2008
LOCATION: Sports Zone, South County
FEATURED CIGARS:
Rocky Patel Connecticut: 8/10
Kopi Luwak: 8/10
CAO LX2: 10/10
(pre-blog reviews)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Bob J.
Joe--Considered for Membership
Matt
Jeff
John--Officially Inducted
Rich
Adam
NOTES:
>Preliminary set of OCCS rules were outlined at this meeting.
>Matt introduced and gave out the famous OCCS Founding Father zippered hoodies.
Adam
LOCATION: Sports Zone, South County
FEATURED CIGARS:
Rocky Patel Connecticut: 8/10
Kopi Luwak: 8/10
CAO LX2: 10/10
(pre-blog reviews)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Bob J.
Joe--Considered for Membership
Matt
Jeff
John--Officially Inducted
Rich
Adam
NOTES:
>Preliminary set of OCCS rules were outlined at this meeting.
>Matt introduced and gave out the famous OCCS Founding Father zippered hoodies.
Adam
Christmas Gift and December meeting
Hi all. Per our conversation last night, I have drawn names for Christmas gifts for people. John sorry you were feeling under the weather we missed you and Rich, I think you had already left by the time we discussed this.
Adam buys for Joe
Jeff buys for Matt
Joe buys for Rich
John buys for Jeff
Matt buys for John
Rich buys for Adam
RULES:
$10.00 limit!!!!!
Bring it to the December 18th meeting
No other rules
The gift can be anything you want. Cigars, drinks that night, foot, candy, Christmas ornament, whatever. Just have fun with it. If you can not participate, let me know and we will make changes.
Okay, second order of business is the December 18th meeting.
When: December 18, 2009
Where: Growlers off Lindbergh
Time: When ever you can get there. I will try to get there early but I can’t promise anything. If anyone else can get there early to reserve our tables, please do so. As of right now they do not have any private partys so it is still first come first serve on the tables.
What we are smoking: The Brazila Gol 5x56 The Brazilia is the fuller-bodied side of CAO. Its dark and spicy wrapper make it very flavorful with a long earthy finish.
For years CAO dreamt of a cigar that uses premium Brazilian tobacco, but finding good Brazilian leaf at the end of the cigar boom was not an easy task. At the time Brazilian tobacco was not at the top of its game. However, CAO stumbled on a beautiful dark wrapper leaf from the coveted Bahia region and the rest is history. After its launch this cigar brought attention back to Brazilian tobacco and essentially was the rebirth of Brazilian cigars in the US cigar market, as other cigar makers flocked to South America in attempt to recreate CAO’s success. The rich Brazilian wrapper gives the CAO Brazilia a full-bodied and full-flavored aroma that carries a long and spicy finish. It is a truly unforgettable cigar, and a powerhouse addition to the humidor.
As always it was great to see everybody and Rich, thanks very much for the great smoke, for introducing everyone to your guest Steve and for the great company.
Matt
Adam buys for Joe
Jeff buys for Matt
Joe buys for Rich
John buys for Jeff
Matt buys for John
Rich buys for Adam
RULES:
$10.00 limit!!!!!
Bring it to the December 18th meeting
No other rules
The gift can be anything you want. Cigars, drinks that night, foot, candy, Christmas ornament, whatever. Just have fun with it. If you can not participate, let me know and we will make changes.
Okay, second order of business is the December 18th meeting.
When: December 18, 2009
Where: Growlers off Lindbergh
Time: When ever you can get there. I will try to get there early but I can’t promise anything. If anyone else can get there early to reserve our tables, please do so. As of right now they do not have any private partys so it is still first come first serve on the tables.
What we are smoking: The Brazila Gol 5x56 The Brazilia is the fuller-bodied side of CAO. Its dark and spicy wrapper make it very flavorful with a long earthy finish.
For years CAO dreamt of a cigar that uses premium Brazilian tobacco, but finding good Brazilian leaf at the end of the cigar boom was not an easy task. At the time Brazilian tobacco was not at the top of its game. However, CAO stumbled on a beautiful dark wrapper leaf from the coveted Bahia region and the rest is history. After its launch this cigar brought attention back to Brazilian tobacco and essentially was the rebirth of Brazilian cigars in the US cigar market, as other cigar makers flocked to South America in attempt to recreate CAO’s success. The rich Brazilian wrapper gives the CAO Brazilia a full-bodied and full-flavored aroma that carries a long and spicy finish. It is a truly unforgettable cigar, and a powerhouse addition to the humidor.
As always it was great to see everybody and Rich, thanks very much for the great smoke, for introducing everyone to your guest Steve and for the great company.
Matt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)